A provirus is a viral DNA that has been incorporated into the host cell's DNA, whereas viral DNA refers to the genetic material of a virus.
- Nature: A provirus is a specific stage in the viral life cycle, where the viral DNA integrates into the host cell's genome. On the other hand, viral DNA is the genetic material that is present in a viral particle.
- Source: A provirus originates from the viral genome after it enters a host cell and integrates into its DNA. Viral DNA, however, is generated by the replication and transcription processes of the virus within the host cell.
- Integration: A provirus becomes a permanent part of the host cell's genome as it integrates into the DNA. In contrast, viral DNA exists as an independent entity within the virus particle or within the host cell during the viral replication process.
- Replication: A provirus replicates along with the host cell's DNA and is passed on to subsequent generations of host cells during cell division. Viral DNA replicates independently of the host cell's DNA, usually within the host cell during the viral replication process.
- Function: A provirus can lie dormant within the host cell's DNA, being transcriptionally silent until it is activated and produces new viral particles. Viral DNA, however, is actively involved in the production of proteins and viral particles within the infected host cell.
Overall, a provirus represents a stage in the viral life cycle when the viral DNA becomes a permanent part of the host cell's genome. In contrast, viral DNA generally refers to the genetic material of the virus and can exist both within the virus particle and within the infected host cell.
compare and contrast a provirus and viral DNA
a provirus is newly replicated viral DNA after injection
A provirus is bacterial DNA incorporated into the viral DNA
a provirus is the host cells DNA that has been destroyed
a provirus is a viral DNA incorporated into the host cells DNA
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